KAMPALA– The Speaker of Parliament, Hon Rebecca Kadaga has sent a message to the Uganda cranes, congratulating them upon their brilliant participation at the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament 2019.
“On behalf of the Uganda Parliament, I take this opportunity to commend you upon your performance at the AFCON 2019,” the Speaker wrote.
Hon. Kadaga said that it is a great achievement that after a 30-years-absence on the continental scene, the team has been able to qualify for the AFCON finals both in 2017 and 2019.
She also added that the Cranes have moved a step higher because they managed to reach the last 16 where they played against Senegal, which she termed as a ‘strong’ team.
“Indeed to hold a very experienced team like Senegal which featured in the World Cup is a testimony of your capacity and tenacity,” She acknowledged.
The Speaker wished the team well and said she is confident that theu will qualify for the next AFCON in 2021 and go beyond the round of 16.
The Uganda Cranes returned to the country on Monday morning and went on to met His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at his residence in Entebbe.
The President organized this function to also congratulate the team for their performance at the AFCON.
Uganda was eliminated at the round of 16 on Friday night following a 0-1 loss to Senegal.
This was the first time that the Cranes have made it out of the group stage since reaching and losing the final in 1978.
Their record at AFCON 2019 stands as; Played 4, Won 1, Drew 1 and lost two. The team scored three goals and conceded five.
In their first game, Emmanuel Okwi and Patrick Kaddu both scored as they overcame DR Congo 2-0.
They then went on to draw 1-1 with Zimbabwe, a game that saw Okwi score his second goal of the competition.
Up next was a date with the hosts-Egypt which ended in a 0-2 loss in a game that many thought Uganda did not deserve to lose after an impressive display throughout the 90 minutes.
By the end of the group stages, Uganda ranked second in Group A with 4 points, five behind leaders Egypt.
The Cranes finished second in Group A to qualify for the round of 16.
They subsequently qualified for the round of 16 where they faced off with Senegal but Liverpool’s Sadio Mane ensured their journey did not continue as he scored the only goal of the day, thus eliminating Sebastien Desabre’s side.
